TeXes Science Practice Test

Which statement about ultisols is NOT true?

1. They are strongly leached soils.

2. They have a subsurface horizon with accumulated clay.

3. They are dominant in humid temperate areas.

4. They have a high organic matter content.

The correct answer is: They have a high organic matter content.

Ultisols are a type of soil primarily found in humid temperate and tropical regions. One notable characteristic of these soils is their strong leaching, which occurs due to high rainfall. This leaching process removes minerals and nutrients from the soil profile, resulting in a distinct horizon that often has a significant clay accumulation in the subsurface layer. The statement that ultisols have a high organic matter content is not true. While they can retain some organic matter, ultisols typically have lower organic matter levels compared to other soil types, particularly due to the leaching processes and the climatic conditions that prevail in their dominant regions. In contrast, soil types like mollisols are known for their rich organic content due to the grassland vegetation that contributes to soil organic matter accumulation. The other statements align with the fundamental attributes of ultisols, reinforcing their characteristics related to leaching, clay accumulation, and their geographical prevalence. Thus, the identification of ultisols as having high organic matter content stands out as inaccurate within the context of their typical properties.